I felt a flood of emotions; mostly wondering how I was going to get through the initial exchange without falling to tears.

I felt a flood of emotions; mostly wondering how I was going to get through the initial exchange without falling to tears. Truly, I felt this could not possibly have a bad outcome – having three close family members that got on the other side of being sick with cancer – totally recovered, I just would not allow myself to think beyond you having a bad year. I was truly disturbed and frightened for what devastation you would face in that bad year.

I was determined to be there and as I sat across from you I was thinking that I would help in any way I could – that this was my opportunity to show my friendship. I felt that everything happens for a reason; however, I was shaken to the core; downright frightened.

(as you know I am not good with anything medical).

During the time you were sick I tried to pass on information I got from my one sister-in-law who was very open and very brave during her journey with cancer:

Keep focused that this is just going to be one bad year.

You grow through adversity.

Look forward to when this nightmare is over and you get a clean bill of health.

Schedule something to look forward to once you are better

Keep in control by cutting your hair before it falls out – keeping the upper hand with this dreadful disease.

Keep your faith

Your journey, your brevity, your calm determination, your ability to learn about your disease and give yourself the best shot – by taking control with diet and mindset – above everything, your A+ attitude proved that you can be sick and retain dignity.

You gave your friendship and smiled through it all! I have a visual of you during this year smiling, quietly determined, with amazing faith, and being so brave; You were a role model for being a good patient and a great friend.

I truly do not know where you got the strength for all you went through – BLA, BLA, BLA . . . just glad it is over!